Heartbreak looms for a Dockers defender
Anna Harrington and Callum Godde |
Fremantle defender Jordan Clark has confidence injury-prone defender Brennan Cox can deliver on the AFL’s biggest stage if recalled for the grand final at Oscar McDonald’s expense.
Cox hasn’t played since injuring his calf in the final-round loss to Carlton on August 22, with knee soreness keeping him out for two matches a month earlier.
But the defender was held out of last week’s WAFL grand final to get through a match-like session to remain in contention for Saturday’s AFL decider against Brisbane.
Journeyman key back McDonald has filled in admirably in Cox’s absence, but he copped a heavy knock from teammate Mason Cox in Fremantle’s thrilling preliminary final win over Sydney.
Both players trained on Wednesday and the Dockers arrived in Melbourne on Thursday afternoon, ahead of teams being named in the evening.
If Cox gets the nod, star half-back Clark is confident he will be ready to go.
“He’s (Cox) been a wonderful player for us since I’ve been in the club and even before my time,” Clark told reporters at Melbourne airport on Thursday.
“So if he comes in or whichever way it falls, I’m confident in both players.”
Whichever way things fall, Clark’s heart aches for the player who misses out.
“It’s one of those things where you just wrap your arms around him,” Clark said.
“It’s pretty cliched, there’s always a heartbreak story and unfortunately it’s got to happen every year.
“However it falls, we just wrap our arms around whoever it is and they’re still part of us.”
From a Brisbane perspective, all eyes are on Lachie Neale’s appeals board hearing, which started at 4pm AEST.
If the star midfielder is cleared to play, changes are unlikely.
If the ban is upheld, defender Noah Answerth is among those in contention to replace Neale.
Rain is expected on Saturday, which could also play a role closer to the game in terms of any late changes.
But Clark didn’t have any concerns about the weather.
“It wouldn’t affect us too much,” the 25-year-old said.
“It’s a game of footy, goalposts at each end, the same for both teams.”
AAP